Overview Petersburg Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, only four miles away from the Lake Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam and only 25 miles from Augusta, Georgia. Camping at Petersburg is ripe with many different opportunities for relaxation, skill-building, family bonding, and nature appreciation. The 70…
Overview Petersburg Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, only four miles away from the Lake Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam and only 25 miles from Augusta, Georgia. Camping at Petersburg is ripe with many different opportunities for relaxation, skill-building, family bonding, and nature appreciation. The 70,000 acre lake and 1,000+ miles of shoreline are prime for activities that facilitate such opportunities such as boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and bird watching, and so much more of course! Just outside the entrance the largest trailhead for the Bartram Trail which is a designated National Recreation Trail prime for hiking and mountain biking. Recreation Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers great conditions for exciting activities such as boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming. The Bartram Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, hosts it's largest trailhead just outside the entrance to the campground. This trail winds around the campground and shares beautiful views of the lake. This trail is favored by mountain bikers and hikers as a convenient option to get out and experience nature. Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the immediate area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are both nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads. When recreating at Thurmond Lake, we hope to give our visitors opportunities to bond, appreciate nature, relive stress, improve skills, and improve physical fitness. Facilities Petersburg Campground has many facilities that every camper can enjoy! The gatehouse has friendly Gate Attendants and information about the campground and local area. There are four bathhous
Photos
BOAT RAMP — R. Snyder USACESite 48 — R. Snyder USACESite 25 — M. Barlow USACEGATEHOUSE — M. Barlow USACE
How to Get There
3998 Petersburg Rd Appling, GA 30802 From I-20, take Exit 183 (Appling). Go north on HWY 221 approximately 6 miles. At the 4-way stop, go straight (HWY 221) another 2 miles. Campground road is on the left. Follow signs.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PETERSBURG
Heading to PETERSBURG? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PETERSBURG?
No central reservation system listed for PETERSBURG. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232668) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at PETERSBURG?
PETERSBURG has 94 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
Are pets allowed at PETERSBURG?
Pets are mentioned in this park’s information. Specific rules (leash requirements, banned areas) vary by location — verify on the official site before bringing your dog.
How do I get to PETERSBURG?
3998 Petersburg Rd Appling, GA 30802 From I-20, take Exit 183 (Appling). Go north on HWY 221 approximately 6 miles. At the 4-way stop, go straight (HWY 221) another 2 miles. Campground road is on the left. Follow signs.
